DEPEND : RELY

Topic 18

DEPEND : RELY

Both these verbs are used with the preposition upon (or on). Both verbs are used meaning ‘put trust in’, so they are, in some contexts, interchangeable.

* Can I rely (or depend) upon that time-table or is it out of date?

* You can always depend (or rely) upon John to be there when he is needed.

* You can depend (or rely) on him for help.

* I am depending (or relying) upon you to help me.

In the group of examples below, the verb rely cannot be substituted for depend.

* Mr. Green is too old to work now; he depends upon his son.

* England’s survival as a nation has often depended upon her navy.

* Children depend on their parents for food and clothing.

* Everything depends on whether you pass the examination.

* ‘Are you coming to the meeting?’ ‘That depends’ (or ‘It all depends’), i.e. it depends upon circumstances.